It might seem odd to have an entire page dedicated to relieving constipation, but doing so will help your medications work better, and then you’ll feel better too. Remember combining these recipes with drinking lots of water, and exercising, is the most effective way to relieve constipation!
From Care Partners Tips and Tricks September 2024
Constipation in Parkinson’s – more than just a pain in the gut.
Constipation is a common and debilitating non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s that has significant implications for wellbeing. It’s important to understand the relevance of effectively managing constipation in PD and learn practical strategies for addressing it.
Our not-so-secret constipation relief recipe
Mix together:
- 1 cup applesauce (cinnamon adds flavor)
- 1 cup bran cereal (oat bran or unprocessed wheat bran, or any type of bran cereal)
- 1 cup of prune juice
Begin with 1-2 tablespoons every morning. This should help to soften and regulate your bowel movements within 2 weeks. If no change occurs, slowly increase serving to 3-4 tablespoons.
It will taste better if you store it in your refrigerator.
** Remember that drinking plenty of water and regular exercise will help you stay regular, too!
Pumpkin for constipation
Our thanks go to Diane Sherman and The Parkinson’s Newsletter from The Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Resource Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, for sharing this gem!
Grab high-fiber canned pumpkin or squash for “LN’s constipation cure!”
“I had a terrible problem with constipation because of the Parkinson’s, despite lots of Metamucil, exercise, stool softeners and fluids.”
“About a year and a half ago, a therapist I work with suggested that I eat two rounded tablespoons of canned pumpkin at breakfast. Since starting this regimen, I have gone from having a bowel movement no more often than every 7 to 8 days to having one every other day and some times every day. I have dropped the Metamucil and stool softeners all together.”
You can choose plain canned pumpkin or squash, or those with pumpkin pie spices (like cinnamon and ginger) that are tasty and good for human health. These fruits are abundant now and easy to bake, mash and freeze if you prefer that to canned.
Magic muffins
After hearing about how to relieve constipation at our 2021 conference, Ed shared his recipe for what he calls his Magic Muffins. He’s not sure where the recipe originated, but he can testify to their good taste and effectiveness!
Magic Muffins
1 15-ounce box Raisin Bran Flakes
2 teaspoons salt
5 cups all purpose flour
4 eggs (beaten)
3 cups sugar
1 quart buttermilk
5 teaspoons soda
1 cup liquid shortening
Combine first five ingredients, using a very large bowl. Make a well in center of mixture. Add eggs, buttermilk and shortening. Stir to moisten dry ingredients.
Cover and store in refrigerator until ready to use. Will keep 6 weeks.
To cook: Grease muffin tins. Fill 2/3 full. Bake 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Makes 5 1/2 dozen muffins.
What’s the Deal with Water?
Suggestions from Dr. Mick Reedy, IPMDC Movement Disorders Specialist
Constipation is a common problem in Parkinson’s Disease. It is likely caused by slowing of the gastric tract which causes excessive water resorption from stool. Reduction of stool water leads to hard stools that can be very difficult to pass. High stool burden can cause bowel obstructions which can be dangerous. Our goal bowel movement is at least every other day, preferentially once daily.
Take the following steps to improve your constipation:
- Increase your hydration to at least 8 glasses of water (64oz) daily. Focus your water intake in the morning.
- Stay active and exercise. This stimulates your bowels.
- Add natural fibers to your diet. These include pears, strawberries, avocado, oats, apples, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, bananas, beans, broccoli, artichokes, Brussels sprouts, kale, spinach, tomatoes, lentils, kidney beans, spinach peas, chickpeas, quinoa, almonds, Chia seeds, and sweet potatoes.
- If needed, start a bulk laxative. We recommended psyllium husk powder.
- If needed, start an osmotic laxative. We recommend starting with MiraLax (polyethylene glycol) 1/2 cap every other morning. This can be increased up to 2 caps daily as needed for a goal bowel movement of at least every other day.
- If needed, start a stimulating laxative. We recommended Dulcolax (bisacodyl) which can be used as needed for constipation.